Will respond to Paes’ after winning the tie, says Bhupathi

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“We just talked that we will focus on the match and a response (to Paes) will be given after we win the tie,” Bhupathi told reporters after India took a 2-0 lead on the opening day of the Asia-Oceania Group 1 tie at the KSLTA stadium here.

After being left out of the Davis Cup for the first time in 27 years, an angry Paes had yesterday lashed out at Bhupathi, accusing his former partner of flouting selection criteria.

Paes hinted that his bitter relationship with Bhupathi might have played a role in his omission from the squad.

Bhupathi chose seasoned Rohan Bopanna over Paes despite the veteran winning a Challenger title in Mexico only a few days back.

Ramkumar Ramanathan and Prajnesh Gunneswaran handed India a 2-0 lead over Uzbekistan as they staved off a spirited challenge from the Uzbeks in their respective singles matches on the opening day of the tie.